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AHL San Diego Gulls

Gulls Off-Day Transcript

April 18, 2017 - American Hockey League (AHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


Dallas Eakins

On learning anything new about Ontario

We seem to know each other inside out and, for me, the two teams really mirror each other. We've said it to our team before when we play Ontario that it's a lot like playing against yourself. They are disciplined within their system, they play hard, they play a little nasty, they've got great passion and I expect every one of these games to be extremely close.

On how the team feels about Ontario:

Well they don't like them, that's for sure. I think we all know that, but they certainly respect them. The games are always tight, always emotional and we know we're going to have our hands full.

On home-ice advantage

You like it for sure. Our fans are excellent, our last game at home there was incredible. It was loud, and I think they can have a real great effect on our team. The other thing at home, you get that last change. At least you have the opportunity to put the people on the ice that you think that can get the job done at any particular moment. Home ice is all and good but I think you see in the NHL playoffs right off the bat on opening night I think three road teams won the first game. In the end, it doesn't matter where that game is played you've got to compete, compete at the highest level.

On the best-of-five series and the 1-1-1-1-1 format

For me, it doesn't matter. It's kind of like the conversation 'who do you want to play?' or 'wouldn't you rather play this team?' or 'do you want to start at home or start on the road?' You still have to win. It doesn't matter if you're in your own building or their building, one team another team, so for me it has no bearing on anything. But we'll get started up and see where it goes.

On Ondrej Kase

I hope Ondrej is playing for the Ducks. That's what we want for all of our guys. We've got players up there that have had a real impact and we're very proud of that fact and we're excited for them. When a guy leaves this room, our mentality is that he is gone and he's not coming back. We don't even have him penciled in on a lineup. If he returns, that's fine but for now we don't expect him back.

On potential advantage for Ontario with Kings out/Ducks in of NHL playoffs

Well they were sent back a few players. I know Kempe and LaDue and (Brodzinski) came back, so they were able to get some players back which certainly helps their lineup. In the end, it doesn't matter. We used 50 players this year and we think that all of our guys that we have available can get the job done.

On potential keys for the team to win the series

The inside ice, for sure, and all that ice in between those off-side dots. It's going to be highly contested, especially ice in front of both nets. I think the special teams battle will be a big one. I think both power plays will be tough in to score. The whole mental battle of just riding the rollercoaster of a playoff series, and that might be the most critical. From goal to goal, to game to game, it is certainly a wild ride at times. I think we've set our guys up here well, we try to live in just the day and just the moment and not worry about anything else. It's worked wonders for us this year going through all of those players that we had to go through this year and we hope we can have that continued success through the playoffs.

Nate Guenin

On learning anything new about Ontario

We have pretty much seen it all. Especially with the four games the last couple weeks of the season, we're not expecting any surprises. Just counting on us playing our game and it's going to be a battle of wills.

On home-ice advantage

The home-ice is huge, especially playing in our rink. It's the best place to play in the league, our fans have been unreal all season long and we expect it to be the same in the playoffs. I've never been a part of that format, so we'll see how it goes.

On potential factor of NHL transactions with Kings out of the playoffs, Ducks currently in the First Round

Dallas has emphasized that all throughout the year we have used 50 players, 50 guys have worn the Gulls jersey, so we've had moving pieces in the puzzle all year long and the playoffs won't be any different. It will give other guys an opportunity to step up.

On the intensity of playoff hockey

No matter what level league you're in, everything revs up in the playoffs. Every little puck battle, every little faceoff can be the difference in the game. There's no dipping your toe in the water come Game 1, we've got to come out firing and get on the body early and get the arena going.

On physical play

I don't think you want to wait till the playoffs to start playing playoff hockey. You're never going to just flip the switch on and just say 'hey, it's Game 1 lets go.' I think a lot of guys approached last weekend as a warmup for the playoff to try and get in that playoff mode. That being said, once Game 1 starts it's a whole different animal.

On what fans should see in Game 1

Playing with speed, pucks getting behind their defense and playing down below the goal line in the offensive zone. I think our forwards, with the way that they forecheck and get on teams, that's a strength and they can create a lot of havoc for other teams defense.

Jeff Schultz

On how recent games vs. Ontario affects upcoming playoff series

We're familiar with how they play and Dallas has been saying how similar they to ourselves and they have good structure, they work hard, play fast, so it should be a really fun series.

On confidence going into the first round

We just got to take one game at a time, can't look too far ahead. It seems like each team kind of had different players out these last couple games, so it' probably not a familiar lineup with what will be out there Friday.

On motivation going into the series after last year's knock-out

I've got a lot of good friends on that team, but once you step on the ice there's no friends and we're trying to beat them as much as they want to beat us.

On the intensity of play against Ontario

There's a lot of emotion out there and playoffs are ramped up that much more, so that could be one area where hopefully we can keep our emotions in check and hopefully we can capitalize and maybe get one extra power play because of it and be able to capitalize on it.

On the Gulls-Reign rivalry

You see it in the NHL with the close city rivalry in LA and Anaheim, and Calgary and Edmonton and stuff like that and it's kind of "who wants to be the better team" in the area, so now come playoffs everybody wants it to be that team that much more.

Jordan Samuels-Thomas

On the rivalry with Ontario

It's a lot like playing ourselves. They have the same principles in terms of being a physical team with skill. I think that might be the hardest thing, basically playing against ourselves. It'll be an exciting series.

Comparing the rivalry to Ducks-Kings

I definitely think it is comparable. A lot of guys on both teams have had a taste of the NHL and probably experienced a few games in that rivalry. In this instance I think it definitely carries down from Anaheim to San Diego.

On momentum in the last two regular season games against Ontario carrying into the playoffs

I think it is definitely good to win games at the end of the year. Both teams took players out of the lineup in each game, so it was a little different. The teams will both be at full strength come Friday and Saturday. That said, I think you rather be winning games coming into the playoffs then losing them.

On the intensity of the playoffs

Everything means more in the playoffs, one play can decide whether your summer starts or you get to advance. When that's on the line everything is magnified.

On earning home ice advantage

Playing at home is invaluable. Our comfort level here is so high and we are used to playing in front of ten or twelve thousand people. It is exciting as a player. When you come in as an opposing player and a goal is scored against you that horn starts blasting and the fans are going crazy. I think that wears on any human being. When we play here the fan support is unbelievable and it definitely makes a difference, especially when emotions are so high.

On playing against his former team

I knew this was a possibility when I came here. The LA organization is all about success and I knew they would have a good team. Last year I got familiar with San Diego from the other side and I saw that the product they put on the ice was great. It only made sense that this would happen. I didn't know it would be in the first round, so it's funny how things work out. It is definitely exciting being able to play them.

On what to expect from Ontario

They are going to be extremely prepared. They are going to know us in and out. They will come in very prepared and well-conditioned.

Kalle Kossila

On the intensity of the playoffs

It goes up a bit. Everyone is all-in and the shift length is cut down. Everyone is leaving all they have on the ice and that the game is on the line every shift. So you have to go out there and battle.

On the rivalry with Ontario

There is a little hate in there, that's why it is a rivalry. It comes down from the NHL rivalry and there is definitely no love lost.

On momentum from the last two games against Ontario

To be honest, I don't think there is too much momentum. Playoffs are a completely different thing. It was good for us to get those two wins and get some confidence going, but I don't think momentum transfers over from the regular season to the playoffs.

On his experience from last year's playoffs

I would say it is helpful. We all know what is coming. We've played these guys so many times. The game doesn't change too much, everything just gets a little harder and there is less room. The experience is good, but we all know what we are up against.

On the crowd at Valley View Casino Center

I think the whole city is ready for us to go far. We have to meet expectations and hopefully we see big crowds in the playoffs.

Jhonas Enroth

On facing Ontario

Well we have the week to prepare and obviously we've played against these guys 12 times. We know them pretty well and they know us pretty well, but at the same time we need to expect some changes and it's always going to be a fresh new game. We are going into the games with a clear mind, I think.

On expectations for the atmosphere during Game 1

I expect a really good atmosphere. Pretty much all of the games that I've been here in San Diego the crowd has been great here. It's been a huge advantage for us.

On what the crowd adds to the playoffs

Playoffs are always exciting and I think the team went (two rounds) last year. We have a couple guys that were here for that and they've been talking about how great it is here throughout the playoffs, so I'm excited to get it going here.

On home-ice advantage

Home-ice is a big advantage. I'm not sure if I love the format, but it doesn't really matter. It's the same for them so it's good that we have the extra game at home if we need it.

On the rivalry

I'm not trying to think too much about that I'm just trying to have a clear mind and just focus on stopping the puck. I'm not really that aggravated with them at the moment. For me, it's not very high. I'm just trying to play my game.

On how a hot goaltender could potentially change a series

I'm aware of it, but I don't really want to think about it. Like I said, I'm just trying to do my job and hopefully I will get a little help from my teammates and I think we'll be fine.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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